Queenslanders pull up their socks for World Down Syndrome Day

Published Monday, 21 March, 2016 at 09:33 AM

Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

Queenslanders are encouraged to pull up their socks today to promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome for World Down Syndrome Day.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said World Down Syndrome Day was all about celebrating the achievements of people with Down syndrome and raising greater awareness of their abilities and contributions in the community.

“All Queenslanders are being asked to wear bright socks, long socks or even lots of socks today in support of World Down Syndrome Day,” she said.

“The Lots of Socks campaign aims to create conversation, to promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in all aspects of community life.

“World Down Syndrome Day is now in its 12th year, and each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who support them, grows louder.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to get involved in today’s campaign, as it is through education, awareness and understanding, that we will achieve greater inclusion and equal opportunity for all people with disability.”

The Queensland Government has a long history of supporting people with Down syndrome and has provided more than $210,000 to the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland for information and advocacy services.

CEO Down Syndrome Association of Queensland Louise Lloyd said having Down syndrome did not define a person, and all people with Down syndrome were unique and contributed to the world in a number of ways.

“Some are brilliant musicians, some are great public speakers some are sporting heroes while others are artists and actors,” Ms Lloyd said.

“People with Down syndrome do not need sympathy, just support and to be valued for who they are.

“Having Down syndrome is just another way of being in this world so on World Down syndrome day let’s celebrate diversity in our community.”

Mrs O’Rourke said Queenslanders now had certainty around when they would transition to the ‪National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and could start benefitting from the changes it would bring from 1 July 2016.

“The NDIS will completely transform the way people with disability, including people with Down syndrome receive services and supports, and how they participate in community life,” Mrs O’Rourke said. 

“Now is the time for people with disability to start planning for this huge change, and thinking about how they can achieve their goals and aspirations through the scheme.”

For more information about the Queensland Government’s support for people with Down syndrome go to www.qld.gov.au/disability/community/down-syndrome/  

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7184